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Translation
King James Version
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 they that were sent G3992, returning G5290 to G1519 the house G3624, found G2147 the servant G1401 whole G5198 that had been sick G770.
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Complete Jewish Bible
When the messengers got back to the officer's house, they found the servant in good health.
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Berean Standard Bible
And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
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American Standard Version
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole.
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World English Bible Messianic
Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And when they that were sent, turned backe to the house, they founde the seruant that was sicke, whole.
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Young's Literal Translation
and those sent, having turned back to the house, found the ailing servant in health.
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In the KJVVerse 25,206 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Luke 7:10 brings to a swift and powerful conclusion the narrative of the healing of the centurion's servant, demonstrating the immediate and complete effect of Jesus' word spoken from a distance. The verse highlights the verifiable outcome of Jesus' divine authority, as the messengers, upon returning to the centurion's home, found the servant who had been gravely ill now completely restored to health, confirming the profound impact of faith and the omnipotence of Christ.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the preceding narrative in Luke 7:1-9. The account begins with a Roman centurion, a Gentile, sending Jewish elders to Jesus to plead for his beloved servant, who was at the point of death. The elders earnestly entreated Jesus, emphasizing the centurion's worthiness and his love for the Jewish nation. However, as Jesus approached the house, the centurion sent friends to convey his profound humility and extraordinary faith, stating that he was not worthy for Jesus to enter his home and that Jesus needed only to "say in a word" for the servant to be healed (Luke 7:6-7). Jesus, astonished by this level of faith, declared He had not found such great faith, not even in Israel (Luke 7:9). Luke 7:10 then immediately presents the outcome, confirming the efficacy of Jesus' word without delay or physical presence.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The setting is Capernaum, a significant town in Galilee where Jesus often taught and performed miracles. The presence of a Roman centurion, an officer in the Roman army (commanding 100 soldiers), is notable. As a Gentile, he would typically be outside the covenant community of Israel. His act of sending Jewish elders initially, and then friends, demonstrates a respect for Jewish customs and perhaps a desire to avoid causing Jesus ritual impurity by entering a Gentile home. The centurion's understanding of authority, as articulated in Luke 7:8, reflects the hierarchical structure of Roman military and civil life, which he applies analogously to Jesus' spiritual authority. This narrative, involving a Gentile, foreshadows the broader inclusion of non-Jews into God's kingdom, a theme prominent in Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel. Foremost is The Authority and Power of Jesus' Word, demonstrating that Jesus' command alone is sufficient to effect healing, even from a distance, without physical touch or presence. This highlights His divine omnipotence over sickness and space, echoing other instances of healing through His word, such as the nobleman's son in John 4:46-54. Another crucial theme is Extraordinary Faith, exemplified by the centurion. His faith, which surpassed any Jesus had encountered among the Israelites, serves as a model of humble, implicit trust in Jesus' divine power and authority. Finally, the narrative underscores Divine Compassion and Inclusivity, as Jesus readily responds to the plea of a Gentile, demonstrating His universal love and willingness to extend His grace and healing to all who come to Him in faith, regardless of their ethnic or social standing.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sent (Greek, pémpō', G3992): This word signifies dispatching someone, often on a temporary errand. In this context, it refers to the messengers sent by the centurion to Jesus, highlighting their role as intermediaries in the unfolding miracle and the immediate return that verifies the healing.
  • found (Greek, heurískō', G2147): Meaning "to find" literally or figuratively, "get," "obtain," "perceive," or "see." Here, it emphasizes the discovery of the servant's healed state upon the messengers' return, confirming the immediate and tangible result of Jesus' distant word and the undeniable reality of the miracle.
  • whole (Greek, hygiaínō', G5198): Meaning "to have sound health," "be well," or figuratively, "to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)." This term indicates a complete restoration to perfect health, not merely an improvement or partial recovery. It underscores the miraculous and thorough nature of the healing, signifying a return to a state of complete soundness.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And they that were sent": This refers to the delegation of messengers, initially Jewish elders and then friends, whom the centurion dispatched to Jesus to convey his plea and express his remarkable faith and humility. Their role is crucial as witnesses to the before-and-after state of the servant.
  • "returning to the house": This phrase signifies the completion of their errand to Jesus and their journey back to the centurion's home in Capernaum. The swiftness of their return implies the immediacy of the miracle's effect after Jesus spoke.
  • "found the servant whole": Upon their arrival, the messengers discovered the servant, who had been at the point of death, was now completely restored to health. This is the conclusive evidence of Jesus' power, demonstrating that His word alone was sufficient to bring about instantaneous and complete healing from a distance.
  • "that had been sick": This final clause provides a stark contrast to the servant's new state, emphasizing his previous condition of severe illness. It highlights the dramatic transformation and undeniable nature of the miraculous intervention, underscoring the magnitude of Jesus' healing power.

Literary Devices

Luke 7:10 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is Narrative Economy, as Luke swiftly moves from Jesus' declaration of astonishment to the immediate outcome, demonstrating the unquestionable efficacy of Jesus' word without lingering on the process of healing. The verse also utilizes Contrast by juxtaposing the servant's prior state of severe illness ("had been sick") with his current state of complete restoration ("found the servant whole"), thereby highlighting the miraculous nature of the intervention. Furthermore, there is an element of Dramatic Irony in the broader narrative, as the Gentile centurion's faith surpasses that of many in Israel, fulfilling the unexpected inclusion of outsiders into God's saving work. The messengers' return and discovery serve as a powerful Verification of Jesus' authority, providing tangible proof of His divine power.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Luke 7:10 powerfully affirms the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ over sickness, distance, and even life itself. The healing of the centurion's servant without physical touch or presence underscores the divine nature of Jesus' authority, demonstrating that His spoken word carries inherent power to accomplish His will. This event serves as a profound testament to the efficacy of faith, particularly the humble and audacious faith of a Gentile, which Jesus commends above all He had found in Israel. The narrative also highlights God's universal compassion, extending His healing grace beyond the boundaries of ethnic identity, foreshadowing the inclusion of all nations into the kingdom of God.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Luke 7:10 is a profound reminder that Jesus' power is not limited by physical proximity or human limitations. The centurion's faith, which trusted in the authority of Jesus' word alone, resulted in an immediate and complete miracle. For believers today, this passage encourages a deeper trust in the unseen power of Christ. It challenges us to consider whether our faith is as robust and unreserved as the centurion's, believing that Jesus' word is sufficient, even when circumstances seem dire or when we cannot physically perceive His intervention. This narrative invites us to bring our needs, and the needs of those we care for, to Jesus with humble confidence, knowing that His compassion is boundless and His power is absolute. It encourages us to pray with conviction, trusting that God hears and responds to sincere faith, often in ways that transcend our understanding or expectations.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the centurion's faith challenge your own understanding of Jesus' authority and power?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to trust more implicitly in the power of Jesus' word, even when you cannot "see" Him working?
  • How does the instantaneous and complete healing of the servant encourage you to persist in prayer for difficult situations?

FAQ

What is the significance of Jesus healing the servant from a distance?

Answer: The healing from a distance, without Jesus physically present at the centurion's house, powerfully demonstrates Jesus' divine authority and omnipotence. It shows that His power is not limited by physical space or proximity, but that His word alone carries the inherent power to accomplish His will. This echoes the creative power of God's word in Genesis 1 and highlights Jesus' unique status as the Son of God, whose commands are instantly effective across any barrier.

Why was the centurion's faith so remarkable to Jesus?

Answer: The centurion's faith was remarkable because he, a Gentile and a Roman officer, understood spiritual authority in a way that many in Israel did not. He recognized that Jesus' word carried the same absolute authority as his own commands did over his soldiers (Luke 7:8), and therefore, physical presence was unnecessary. His humility ("I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof" - Luke 7:6) combined with his profound trust in Jesus' power astonished Jesus, who declared He had not found such great faith, not even in Israel (Luke 7:9).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Luke 7:10, in its depiction of the centurion's servant being made "whole" by Jesus' distant word, powerfully foreshadows the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of Christ's redemptive work. Just as Jesus' word brought complete physical restoration to the sick servant, so too does His ultimate word—His atoning sacrifice on the cross—bring spiritual wholeness and reconciliation to a humanity gravely ill with sin. The centurion, a Gentile, represents the vast multitude of non-Jews who would be brought into God's kingdom through faith in Christ, demonstrating that salvation is not limited by ethnic background but is universally available to all who believe. This narrative points to Jesus as the ultimate authority over all sickness, sin, and death, whose power extends across all barriers, ultimately conquering the grave and offering eternal life to those who trust in Him, as promised in passages like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-13. The instantaneous healing reflects the immediate efficacy of Christ's grace to transform lives and bring about spiritual resurrection, making us "whole" in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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Commentary on Luke 7 verses 1–10

Some difference there is between this story of the cure of the centurion's servant as it is related here and as we had it in Mat 8:5, etc. There it was said that the centurion came to Christ; here it is said that he sent to him first some of the elders of the Jews (Luk 7:3), and afterwards some other friends, Luk 7:6. But it is a rule that we are said to do that which we do by another - Quod facimus per alium, id ipsum facere judicamur. The centurion might be said to do that which he did by his proxies; as a man takes possession by his attorney. But it is probable that the centurion himself came at last, when Christ said to him (Mat 8:13), As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.

This miracle is here said to have been wrought by our Lord Jesus when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, Luk 7:1. What Christ said he said publicly; whoever would might come and hear him: In secret have I said nothing, Joh 18:20. Now, to give an undeniable proof of the authority of his preaching word, he here gives an incontestable proof of the power and efficacy of his healing word. He that had such a commanding empire in the kingdom of nature as that he could command away diseases, no doubt has such a sovereignty in the kingdom of grace as to enjoin duties displeasing to flesh and blood, and bind, under the highest penalties, to the observance of them. This miracle was wrought in Capernaum, where most of Christ's mighty works were done, Mat 11:23. Now observe,

I. The centurion's servant that was sick was dear to his master, Luk 7:2. It was the praise of the servant that by his diligence and faithfulness, and a manifest concern for his master and his interest, as for himself and for his own, he recommended himself to his master's esteem and love. Servants should study to endear themselves to their masters. It was likewise the praise of the master that, when he had a good servant, he knew how to value him. Many masters, that are haughty and imperious, think it favour enough to the best servants they have not to rate them, and beat them, and be cruel to them, whereas they ought to be kind to them, and tender of them, and solicitous for their welfare and comfort.

II. The master, when he heard of Jesus, was for making application to him, Luk 7:3. Masters ought to take particular care of their servants when they are sick, and not to neglect them then. This centurion begged that Christ would come and heal his servant. We may now, by faithful and fervent prayer, apply ourselves to Christ in heaven, and ought to do so, when sickness is in our families; for Christ is still the great Physician.

III. He sent some of the elders of the Jews to Christ, to represent the case, and solicit for him, thinking that a greater piece of respect to Christ than if he had come himself, because he was an uncircumcised Gentile, whom he thought Christ, being a prophet, would not care for conversing with. For that reason he sent Jews, whom he acknowledged to be favourites of Heaven, and not ordinary Jews neither, but elders of the Jews, persons in authority, that the dignity of the messengers might give honour to him to whom they were sent. Balak sent princes to Balaam.

IV. The elders of the Jews were hearty intercessors for the centurion: They besought him instantly (Luk 7:4), were very urgent with him, pleading for the centurion that which he would never have pleaded for himself, that he was worthy for whom he should do this. If any Gentile was qualified to receive such a favour, surely he was. The centurion said, I am not so much as worthy of a visit (Mat 8:8), but the elders of the Jews thought him worthy of the cure; thus honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Let another man praise thee, and not thy own mouth. But that which they insisted upon in particular was, that, though he was a Gentile, yet he was a hearty well-wisher to the Jewish nation and religion, Luk 7:5. They thought there needed as much with Christ as there did with them to remove the prejudices against him as a Gentile, a Roman, and an officer of the army, and therefore mention this, 1. That he was well-affected to the people of the Jews: He loveth our nation (which few of the Gentile did). Probably he had read the Old Testament, whence it was easy to advance to a very high esteem of the Jewish nation, as favoured by Heaven above all people. Note, Even conquerors, and those in power, ought to keep up an affection for the conquered, and those they have power over. 2. That he was well-affected to their worship: He built them a new synagogue at Capernaum, finding that what they had was either gone to decay or not large enough to contain the people, and that the inhabitants were not of ability to build one for themselves. Hereby he testified his veneration for the God of Israel, his belief of his being the one only living and true God, and his desire, like that of Darius, to have an interest in the prayers of God's Israel, Ezr 6:10. This centurion built a synagogue at his own proper costs and charges, and probably employed his soldiers that were in garrison there in the building, to keep them from idleness. Note, Building places of meeting for religious worship is a very good work, is an instance of love to God and his people; and those who do good works of that kind are worthy of double honour.

V. Jesus Christ was very ready to show kindness to the centurion. He presently went with them (Luk 7:6), though he was a Gentile; for is he the Saviour of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, Rom 3:29. The centurion did not think himself worthy to visit Christ (Luk 7:7), yet Christ thought him worthy to be visited by him; for those that humble themselves shall be exalted.

VI. The centurion, when he heard that Christ was doing him the honour to come to his house, gave further proofs both of his humility and of his faith. Thus the graces of the saints are quickened by Christ's approaches towards them. When he was now not far from the house, and the centurion had notice of it, instead of setting his house in order for his reception, he sends friends to meet him with fresh expressions, 1. Of his humility: "Lord, trouble not thyself, for I am unworthy of such an honour, because I am a Gentile." This bespeaks not only his low thoughts of himself notwithstanding the greatness of his figure; but his high thoughts of Christ, notwithstanding the meanness of his figure in the world. He knew how to honour a prophet of God, though he was despised and rejected of men. 2. Of his faith: "Lord, trouble not thyself, for I know there is no occasion; thou canst cure my servant without coming under my roof, by that almighty power from which no thought can be withholden. Say, in a word, and my servant shall be healed:" so far was this centurion from Namaan's fancy, that he should come to him, and stand, and strike his hand over the patient, and so recover him, Kg2 5:11. He illustrates this faith of his by a comparison taken from his own profession, and is confident that Christ can as easily command away the distemper as he can command any of his soldiers, can as easily send an angel with commission to cure this servant of his as he can send a soldier on an errand, Luk 7:8. Christ has a sovereign power over all the creatures and all their actions, and can change the course of nature as he pleases, can rectify its disorders and repair its decays in human bodies; for all power is given to him.

VII. Our Lord Jesus was wonderfully well pleased with the faith of the centurion, and the more surprised at it because he was a Gentile; and, the centurion's faith having thus honoured Christ, see how he honoured it (Luk 7:9): He turned him about, as one amazed, and said to the people that followed him, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel. Note, Christ will have those that follow him to observe and take notice of the great examples of faith that are sometimes set before them - especially when any such are found among those that do not follow Christ so closely as they do in profession - that we may be shamed by the strength of their faith out of the weakness and waverings of ours.

VIII. The cure was presently and perfectly wrought (Luk 7:10). They that were sent knew they had their errand, and therefore went back, and found the servant well, and under no remains at all of his distemper. Christ will take cognizance of the distressed case of poor servants, and be ready to relieve them; for there is no respect of persons with him. Nor are the Gentiles excluded from the benefit of his grace; nay, this was a specimen of that much greater faith which would be found among the Gentiles, when the gospel should be published, than among the Jews.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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Eusebius of Caesarea (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 339
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Although that centurion was strong in battle, and the prefect of the Roman soldiers, yet because his particular attendant lay sick at his house, considering what wonderful things the Saviour had done in healing the sick, and judging that these miracles were performed by no human power, he sends to Him, as unto God, not looking to the visible instrument by which He had intercourse with men; as it follows, And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him, &c.

And the elders of the Jews indeed demand favours for a small sum spent in the service of the synagogue, but the Lord not for this, but a higher reason, manifested Himself, wishing in truth to beget a belief in all men by His own power, as it follows, Then Jesus went with them.
Titus of Bostra (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 378
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
When He had strengthened His disciples by more perfect teaching, He goes to Capernaum to work miracles there; as it is said, When he had ended all his sayings, he entered into Capernaum.
Ambrose of Milan (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 397
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But having finished His teaching, He rightly instructs them to follow the example of His precepts. For straightway the servant of a Gentile centurion is presented to the Lord to be healed. Now the Evangelist, when he said that the servant was about to die, did not err, because he would have died had he not been healed by Christ.

Which certainly He did not do, because He was unable to heal when absent, but that He might set them an example of imitating His humility. He would not go to the son of the nobleman, lest He should seem thereby to have respected his riches; He went immediately here, that He might not seem to have despised the low estate of a centurion's servant. But the centurion laying aside his military pride puts on humility, being both willing to believe and eager to honour; as it follows, And when he was not far off, he sent unto him, saying, Trouble not, thyself: for I am not worthy, &c. For by the power not of man, but of God, he supposed that health was given to man. The Jews indeed alleged his worthiness; but he confessed himself unworthy not only of the benefit, but even of receiving the Lord under his roof, For I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.

But Luke well says, that friends were sent by the centurion to meet our Lord, lest by his own coming he might seem both to embarrass our Lord, and to have called for a requital of good offices. Hence it follows, Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee, but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

And indeed if you read it thus, "In none in Israel have I found so great faith," the meaning is simple and easy. But if according to the Greek, "Not even in Israel have I found so great faith," faith of this kind is preferred even to that of the more elect, and those that see God.

The faith of the master is proved, and the health of the servant established, as it follows, And they that were sent returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. It is possible then that the good deed of a master may advantage his servants, not only through the merit of faith, but the practice of discipline.

Mystically, by the centurion's servant is signified that the Gentile people who were enthralled by the chain of worldly bondage, and diseased with deadly passions, are to be healed by the mercy of the Lord.

But the centurion wished not to trouble Jesus, for Whom the Jewish people crucified, the Gentiles desire to keep inviolate from injury, and (as touching a mystery) he saw that Christ was not yet able to pierce the hearts of the Gentiles.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Commentary on Luke
But how remarkable is the humility of the divine that the Lord of heaven did not scorn to visit the servant of a centurion! Faith shines forth in works, but humanity operates more in emotions. He certainly did not do this because he could not care for him in his absence, but to give you a form to imitate in humility, by teaching you to be submissive to those who are lower and deferential to those who are higher. Finally, in another place, he says: Go, your son lives (John 4:50); so that you may know both the power of divinity and the grace of humility. He did not want to continue there, lest he appear to have bestowed his riches more on his adopted son: he himself went ahead, lest he appear to have despised the lowly status of a centurion's servant; for we are all one in Christ, slave and free.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Hom. 26. in Matt.) How again does Matthew tell us that the centurion said, I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof, while Luke says here, that he beseeches Him that He would come. Now it seems to me that Luke sets before us the flatteries of the Jews. For we may believe that when the centurion wished to depart, the Jews drew him back, enticing him, saying, We will go and bring him. Hence also their prayers are full of flattery, for it follows, But when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying that he was worthy. Although it became them to have said, He himself was willing to come and supplicate Thee, but we detained him, seeing the affliction, and the body which was lying in the house, and so to have drawn out the greatness of his faith; but they would not for envy reveal the faith of the man, lest He should seem some great one to whom the prayers were addressed. But wherein Matthew represents the centurion to be not an Israelite, while Luke says, he has built us a synagogue, there is no contradiction, for he might not have been a Jew, and yet built a synagogue.

(ubi sup.) For as soon as he was freed from the annoyance of the Jews, he then sends, saying, Think not that it was from negligence I came not unto Thee, but I counted myself unworthy to receive Thee in my house.

(ubi sup.) Here observe that the centurion held a right opinion concerning the Lord; he said not, pray, but, command; and in doubt lest He should from humility refuse him, he adds, For I also am a man set under authority, &c.

(contra Anom. Hom. 17.) We must here remark, that this word, Fac, signifies a command given to a servant. So God when He wished to create man, said not to the Only-begotten, "Make man," but, Let us make man, that by the form of unity in the words he might make manifest the equality of the agents. Because then the centurion considered in Christ the greatness of His dominion, therefore saith He, say in a word. For I also say to my servant. But Christ blames him not, but confirmed his wishes, as it follows, When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled.

(Hom. 27. in Matt.) But that you might see plainly that the Lord said this for the instruction of others, the Evangelist wisely explains it, adding, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
BedeAD 735
On the Gospel of Luke
And when those who had been sent returned home, they found the servant, who had been sick, well. The faith of the master is proven, and the health of the servant is restored. Therefore, the merit of the Lord can also benefit the servants, not only by the merit of faith but also by the zeal of discipline. Matthew explains this more fully when the Lord said to the centurion: Go, and let it be done for you as you have believed (Matthew 8), and the boy was healed from that hour. But it is the custom of blessed Luke to abbreviate what he has seen fully explained by other evangelists, or even intentionally to pass over; what he knows to have been omitted or briefly touched upon by them, he elucidates more diligently. Mystically, as I have said, the centurion, whose faith is preferred to that of Israel, undoubtedly represents those chosen from among the Gentiles, who, as if surrounded by a centenary military contingent, are exalted in the perfection of spiritual virtues and seek nothing earthly from the Lord but only the joys of eternal salvation for themselves and their own. For the number one hundred, which is transferred from the left to the right, is customarily placed in the signification of heavenly life. Hence it is that Noah's ark is built in one hundred years, Abraham received the son of promise at one hundred years; Isaac sowed, and found a hundredfold in that year; the courtyard of the tabernacle is one hundred cubits long; in the one hundredth psalm, mercy and judgment are sung to the Lord, and other things of this kind. Therefore, men of such merit must pray to the Lord for those who are still oppressed by the spirit of servitude in fear, so that as they are gradually advanced to higher things, perfect love may cast out fear (1 John 4).
Bede (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 735
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
But herein they show, that as by a church, so also by a synagogue, they were wont to mean not only the assembly of the faithful, but also the place where they assembled.

He says that he though a man subject to the power of the tribune or governor, yet has command over his inferiors, that it might be implied that much more is He who is God, able not only by the presence of His body, but by the services of His angels, to fulfil whatever He wishes. For the weakness of the flesh or the hostile powers were to be subdued both by the word of the Lord and the ministry of the angels. And to my servant, Do this, &c.

But who had wrought this very faith in him, save He who marvelled? But supposing another had done it, why should He marvel who foreknew it? Because then the Lord marvels, it signifies that we must marvel. For all such feelings when they are spoken of God, are the tokens not of a wonder-struck mind, but of a teaching master.

But he speaks not of Patriarchs and Prophets in times far back, but of the men of the present age to whom the faith of the centurion is preferred, because they were instructed in the precepts of the Law and the Prophets, but he with no one to teach him of his own accord believed.

Matthew explains these things more fully, saying, that when our Lord said to the centurion, Go thy way, and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee, the servant was healed in the self-same hour. But it is the manner of the blessed Luke, to abridge or even purposely to pass by whatever he sees plainly set forth by the other Evangelists, but what he knows to be omitted by them, or briefly touched upon, to more carefully explain.

But the centurion, whose faith is preferred to Israel, represents the elect from the Gentiles, who as it were attended by their hundred soldiers, are exalted by their perfection of spiritual virtues. For the number hundred, which is transferred from the left to the righta, is frequently put to signify the celestial life. These then must pray to the Lord for those who are still oppressed with fear, in the spirit of bondage. But we of the Gentiles who believe can not ourselves come to the Lord, whom we are unable to see in the flesh, but ought to approach by faith; we must send the elders of the Jews, that is, we must by our suppliant entreaties gain as patrons the greatest men of the Church, who have gone before us to the Lord, who bearing us witness that we have a care to build up the Church, may intercede for our sins. It is well said that Jesus was not far from the house, for his salvation is nigh unto them that fear him, and he who rightly uses the law of nature, in that he does the things which he knows to be good, approaches nigh unto Him who is good.

The soldiers and servants who obey the centurion, are the natural virtues which many who come to the Lord will bring with them in great numbers.
Theophylact of Ohrid (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1107
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or in another way. The centurion must be understood as one who stood foremost among many in wickedness, as long as he possesses many things in this life, i. e. is occupied with many affairs or concerns. But he has a servant, the irrational part of the soul, that is, the irascible and concupiscent part. And he speaks to Jesus, the Jews acting as mediators, that is, the thoughts and words of confession, and immediately he received his servant whole.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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